Farmer and militia captain; published
articles in Boston Gazette urging military
preparedness. Member of Massachusetts
General Court (1771-74). Brigadier-general in
Massachusetts militia (1775), later major-
general in Continental Army (1776). Poor
tactician; specialized in staff work. Member of
Massachusetts convention to ratify the U.S.
Constitution (1788). State senator (1791-92).

Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Payson) Heath
of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Married Sarah
Lockwood (1759).